Prestwick football squad to fundraise for brave coach fighting breast cancer

A squad of youth football stars will put their best foot forward as they rally around their brave coach.

Glenburn Under 16s girls will join with their families to support a special cause when they tackle a trek with a difference on Tuesday night. Their 'Footie family 5k for Diane' will raise vital funds and support the girls' coach, Diane Imrie, who is fighting breast cancer.

The team is raising money for 'Breast Cancer Now' to contribute to their crucial work in battling the disease and providing vital support to patients like Diane.

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The popular coach said: "Eleven years ago I took on the world's highest free standing mountain, Kilimanjaro, to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now. Fast forward 11 years, six more treks and over £50,000 worth of fundraising for different charities, and never did I imagine that Breast Cancer Now would become so personal.

"Three years ago my daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer and is now in remission. In April this year I, myself, heard the words 'you have breast cancer'.

"When I heard that the girls wanted to help raise funds for Breast Cancer Now I was over the moon. Every week at my pre-chemo hospital appointment I have a Breast Cancer Now nurse and her help for me dealing with my diagnosis has been invaluable.

"The girls have been amazing, totally embracing my new bald look and supporting me every week at training as we navigate each week. I owe a huge thank you to each and every one and parents, too. Together we can make a difference."

Deirdre Anderson, who has helped organise the fundraiser with fellow parents, added: "Diane has been a fantastic, encouraging coach and positive role model for the girls for many years. She has still been there for them both at training and on the touchline for every match throughout her treatment this year.

"This is why the girls and the parents wanted to do something both to say thank you to Diane but also to raise funds to help others in her situation get the invaluable support Breast Cancer Now provides."

The 5k takes place from 6pm this Tuesday along Prestwick Prom. To donate to the cause, visit https://www.justgiving.com/team/footiefamily

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